Blount Fine Foods, a processor of refrigerated and frozen soups and seafood products, said that a plant expansion underway at its Fall River, Mass., headquarters now will include a 100kW solar electric system, one of the largest in Southeastern Massachusetts.

Blount said Alteris Renewables, Wilton, Conn., will provide the system design, engineering and installation. Officials noted that the new facility also will have a state-of-the-art central refrigeration system, which is undergoing a controls upgrade to allow Blount to refrigerate the facility utilizing the most current energy efficiency measures, will also include high speed doors, energy efficient lighting and a white roof.

“The fact that Blount Fine Foods is joining leading businesses across the country to support clean and affordable renewable power sources is consistent with our long-standing commitment to being good stewards of the environment,” said Todd Blount, president. “What began generations ago as a caring seafood company’s commitment to our oceans and fish, has expanded to today include a commitment to our entire natural environment.”

Blount said it will use the electricity it generates on its roof to reduce its energy purchase costs. Due to federal tax credits and state incentives, including low-cost financing through MassDevelopment, the project should pay for itself within the first four to five years, officials said. The system has a life of at least 25 years.